Sometimes a wine can surprise you, even when you have high expectations. This wine did just that when I tasted it. Impressive in its forward fruit flavors of cherry, plums, and blackberries, it all weaves together with notes of raspberry and fine spices. Beautifully balanced, it has fine tannins and a silky feel, making it irresistible on its own. It’s also perfect for the dinner table: veal with mushrooms, pork tenderloin with pomegranate sauce, or mushroom risotto. Only $30 retail at the SLO tasting room or Avila Roasting Co., it’s value-priced for the quality of this Pinot.
This article appears in Jun 17-24, 2010.